MICHAEL P. DUGGAN, SOA #34,
CPT, passed away at the age of 65 on Tuesday, December 29, 2009, after a
courageous battle with cancer. Mike leaves behind his loving wife, Lucy
(Macell) Duggan, two daughters, Karen M. Lambert and Tina A. Mascia, 8
grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Born in Fitchberg, MA, Mike
lived most of his life in Worcester, MA. He served 3 years in the U.S.
Army, Special Forces and SOG. Mike was honorably discharged as a Captain
in 1971. He was awarded the Silver Star, 3 Bronze Stars, and the Air
Medal. Mike was very close, caring, and attentive to his wife, children
and grandchildren. He also leaves behind a multitude of loyal friends
whose lives were forever changed for the better for having met him.

ROBERT LEWIS HOWARD, SOA #969,
COL (Ret), Medal of Honor, died Wednesday, 23 Dec. 2009 at a hospice in
Waco, Texas. He was 70 years old. Robert L. Howard was born on July 11,
1939 in Opelika, Alabama. He joined the Army in 1956 at age 17 and was
assigned to the 101st Airborne Division. Bob joined Special Forces on
completion of his 101st Airborne tour. He served five tours in Vietnam
and was the only soldier to be nominated for the Medal of Honor three
times for three separate actions. Bob received the Medal of Honor,
Distinguished Service Cross, the Silver Star, Four Bronze Stars, eight
Purple Hearts along with numerous other awards. Due to exceptional
service, SFC Bob Howard received an Officers Commission. In 1971 Bob
Howard was presented the Medal of Honor by President Richard Nixon.
Robert L. Howard was one of the Vietnam War's most highly decorated
servicemen. Bob retired from the Army in 1992. He is survived by his
daughters Denicia Howard of Florida; Melissa Gentsch of Hewitt, Texas
and Rosslyn Howard of California; a son Robert Lewis Howard, Jr of
California and four grandchildren.

LEWIS WELLS, SOA #1015,
MSG (Ret), passed away 8 December 2009. Lewis is survived by his wife
Audry, four children, four grandchildren, and one great grandson. Lewis
will be missed by all his friends and family.

WILLIAM T. PARLON, SOA #1922,
MSG (Ret), passed away 05 Dec 2009. His wife, Barbara, preceded him in
death 2 or 3 days before. Bill served in CCN, 1st SFG, 187th Airborne,
and other units. He retired as a master sergeant. Bill retired from the
U.S. Army after 25 years of service to his country. William is survived
by his two children, Billy Parlon and Ann Harris; four grand children
and two great- grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Paul E.
Parlon and a sister, Grace H. Keefe.

LEWIS L. MILLET, SOA #505-GL,
COL (Ret),Medal of Honor recipient of Idyllwild, CA
died Saturday morning Nov 24, 2009 at Jerry L. Pettis Memorial VA Medical Center in
Loma Linda. He was 88. "He had a brief hospitalization. He came in the
day before Veterans Day," said hospital spokeswoman Annie Tuttle. Col.
Millett had various health problems over the last three to five years,
including diabetes, said Mike Goldware, a family spokesman. A cause of
death was not announced. Funeral arrangements were pending. Col. Millett
was a regular at patriotic events locally and across the country. In
April, Col. Millett served as grand marshal for the Salute to Veterans
Parade in Riverside. Earlier this year, a park in San Jacinto was
dedicated in his name. "He was a regular at the (Riverside) National
Cemetery," Goldware said. "If he could get on board a military
transport, he would go anywhere for the troops." Col. Millett was born
in Mechanic Falls, Maine, on Dec. 15, 1920. He enlisted in the Army Air
Corps in 1940 and served as an air gunner, then joined the Canadian Army
when it appeared the United States would not enter World War II. "He
joined the Royal Canadian Army after President Roosevelt said in a
speech that no American boy would fight on foreign soil," Goldware said.
He returned to the U.S. Army in 1942 upon the United States' entrance
into World War II and served in the 1st Armored Division. After making
sergeant, he was awarded a battlefield commission. According to his
Medal of Honor Citation, then-Capt. Millett distinguished himself "above
and beyond the call of duty in action" in Korea, after he and his men
came under heavy enemy fire on Feb. 7, 1951. He ordered and led a
bayonet counterattack up the hill, killing enemy soldiers in
hand-to-hand assault during which he was wounded by a grenade blast. But
by early afternoon, his company had taken the hill. He was presented the
Medal of Honor by President Harry S. Truman in July 1951. He retired as
a colonel in 1973 after a 31-year career in which he served in World War
II, Korea War and the Vietnam War.

BILL “TWEETY” SYLVESTER, SOA #973-GL,
MAJ (Ret) age 68, passed away on 9 November 2009, in San Diego, CA. He
was a lifetime member of the SFA and the current president of Chapter
LXXV (75). Bill was also very active with the SOA, most recently serving
as the SOA Tally Committee Chairman. Bill enlisted in the Army in the
early 1960s, and was a graduate of Infantry OCS, Airborne School, Ranger
School, Special Forces Officers Course. He served with the 1st SFG(A);
5th SFG(A) MACVSOG FOB 1(Hatchet Forces), CDR Det 341 (Bu-Dop), S3 B-34,
S3 Co. A, III Corps; Training/Ops Advisor to USAR units of the 11th
SFG(A) and 12th SFG(A). Bill was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge,
Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Bronze Star Medal w/V
device (1st OLC), Purple Heart Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air
Medal (w/numeral 1), Good Conduct Medal, Army Commendation Medal (2nd
OLC), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of
Vietnam Campaign Medal w/60 device, Presidential Unit Citation,
Meritorious Unit Citation (1st OLC), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/palm,
Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation, Armed Forces Reserve
Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Thailand
Parachutist Badge w/Fourragere, Republic of Vietnam Parachutist Badge.
Bill is survived by his long time companion Julie Wise and his sister
Gail. Bill was full of life, loved those dearest to him, and was loyal
to his friends and a country that he served so well. He will be missed –
Lest We Forget.

ROSA "ROSIE" CHILDS, SOA #1252-ww,
Rosie Childs was suddenly taken from the lives of her family and friends
on Sunday, November 8, 2009. She was born on a farm in southern Bavaria
but spent most of her life as Mrs. Arthur Childs. In the U.S., she and
her sons, followed Arthur whenever his assignment allowed. She lived in
Germany, the United States, and Viet Nam, (she was there during the 1968
Tet Offensive), and the middle east. She traveled extensively to Canada,
Australia, Hong Kong and middle and western Europe. Rosie was proud of
her German heritage, but becoming an American citizen was one of the
proudest moments of her life. She was a proud Special Forces wife, and
loved her Special Operations family. Rosie was always the life of any
party. Her smile lit up the room as she made her sweeping entrance,
often sipping her favorite drink, champagne (which eventually was dubbed
"Rosie juice"). Her hugs and laughter were always a welcome spark to any
gathering. Though she was not ready to leave this world, Rosie would
love to know that she is the first SOA warrior widow to join her warrior
husband Art in the hereafter. We can picture Rosie making Arthur wait
until she selects the right angel outfit so he can walk her through the
pearly gates in style. Rosie is survived by her three sons, Chris, Mike
and Patrick, two grandsons, Brian and Eric, and numerous nieces and
nephews in Germany. Rosie was well-loved by her family and friends and
will be sorely missed. God speed dear friend and may you rest in peace.
ROBERT "BOB" SCHREIBER, SOA #2221,
LTC (R), passed away 20 Oct. 2009. Bob requested to be cremated and his
ashes scattered on the grounds of the SFA. Cards/Letters may be sent to
his wife, Chris Schreiber at 457 Crestview Drive, Boiling Springs Lake,
NC 28461

PATRICK EUGENE MARTIN, SOA #2109-GA,
passed away the evening of October 3, 2009. Organizations: US ARMY,
SPECIAL FORCES, B-36, CSEA REP, FOLSOM PRISON TEACHERS ASSOC. Survived
By: Jolie Lynn Miller, Daughter, Jeffrey Miller, Son in law, Taylor
Miller, Grandson, Cody Miller, Grandson, Mary Earle, Sister, James
Marsh, Nephew, Lisa Davies, Neice, Jessica Rosales, Niece, Sharon Hilde,
Sister in Law, and Ron Earle, Brother in Law.
Patrick Martin was born in 1939 in Omaha, Nebraska to June and Eugene
Martin. Patrick was always cited as being a mischievous child, but one
with a big heart.
Patrick's father passed away while Pat and Mary were young. Pat took
care of his mother and sister. June, Pat's mother, eventually married
Robert Swain whom Pat and Mary considered their dad. Pat ended up
getting into some trouble and was offered the opportunity to join the
armed forces. He joined the Army. While Pat was in the Army, his mother
and Helen Simon, Carole's mother, got together and decided Pat and
Carole should become pen pals. Shortly after their relationship
developed, they ended up getting married in 1961. They spent the next
twelve years traveling and living/loving the Army life. Eventually they
gave birth to Jolie Lynn, their one and only child. The three of them
continued to move with the Army. Germany seemed to be their favorite
place to be stationed.
After 20 years of service Pat finally retired. He decided to finish
school and become a teacher. He substituted for awhile, and then was
hired by Folsom State Prison as a teacher. He taught for the next 15
years at Folsom. During this time he also took care of his wife Carole
"Cookie" whom was battling cancer; as the two of them continued to raise
Jolie.
Pat retired from Folsom Prison and went to work for the State of
California "CSEA" as a Union Representative. Pat loved the job and
continued to work there until Cookie passed away in 2003. Pat retired
and turned his focus and time onto his family. He enjoyed being with his
daughter and grandsons all of the time. After the death of his father
Robert Swain in 2006, Pat moved to Port Angeles, Wa to be with his
mother June.
In 2007 Pat suffered a massive stroke rendering him disabled. He came
back home to California to live near his daughter Jolie. In 2008
Patrick's mother passed away.
Patrick always spoke of loving to be with his family, but that he was
ready to go home to be with Jesus and his beautiful wife Cookie. We all
know he is with them, and he has a big smile on his face and he is
looking down over all of us.

GERALD ALLAN PLANK, SOA #75 GL,SFC, US Army, died 16 August 2009 in Petersburg
Alaska, from a heart attack. He is survived by wife, Candyce Jones; son,
Jason Roy Plank; grandson, Caeden Gerald Plank; daughter,
Joselynn Jean Plank and mother Ramona Jean Plank. His father, Leroy Plank
was deceased on October 8, 2005. Jerry served with CCN, MACV-SOG in
Vietnam. He also served on Det A-323 (SCUBA), 1st Special Forces Group.
His awards and decorations include: three Silver Stars, three Bronze
Stars with "V" for valor, Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
After leaving the service he was employed as a commercial diver in
Seattle, Washington and Alaska. He has lived in Petersburg, Alaska, since
1997.

HUGH RAINES HUBBARD, SOA #600,
MSG, US Army retired, passed away August 13, 2009 at the Vanderbilt
Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee at age 75. Hugh's Special
Operations assignments include Combined Studies and MACVSOG OP 35. He
was an outstanding medic, a fine Special Forces Soldier and a pioneer of
the A-Teams of the 60's and 70's. He was the senior medic on A-246 in
April 1962 at Mang Buk, Vietnam, and A-331 at Bong Son in April 1965. He
made five TDY and PCS tours to Vietnam from 1962 until 1972 while
assigned to the 1st SFG(A) , the 5th SFG(A), and SMAG. He retired from
the Army while assigned to the 10th SFG(A). After retiring from the US
Army, Hugh went to work for the Vinnell Corporation in Saudi Arabia and
then retired from the Washington State Department of Corrections as a
Civil Service employee in Monroe, Washington. His awards include the
Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal with V one Oak Leaf Cluster,
Air Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation, Presidential Unit Citation, Good
Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korea Service Medal,
United Nations Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign
Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry W/Palm, Philippine Republic Unit
Citation, Combat Medical Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. Memorial
services with full military honors by the 5th SFG(A) were held at
McKenzie, Tennessee. Hugh is survived by his beloved wife Cheryl of
McKenzie, TN.

ALBERT H. DAVIS, SOA #1018,
MSG, US Army, retired, passed away on 27 April 2009 while in the
hospital. Al was a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam Wars and joined
Special Forces in 1952. His SF assignments included service with the
3rd, 5th, 10th, and 77th SFG(A). He also served with SF Training Group
and three tours with MACV-SOG. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman
Badge in Korea and Combat Medical Badge in Vietnam along with numerous
other awards and decorations. He is survived by his wife Ruth and two
children.

KIMBER O. BUDROW, SOA #1694-GA,SGM, US Army (Ret), passed away Sunday, 5 April 2009
at UPMC Presbyterian in Pittsburgh. Kim served with C&C Det,
FOB4, and CCN. He was born on May 13, 1937, in Fowler, Ind., son of
Delton and Margaret Colescott Budrow. He served in both the Korean and
Vietnam Wars. At his retirement, he had attained the rank of Sgt. Major
with the Army in Special Forces as a Green Beret. Among his many awards
were the National Defense Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Bronze Star
Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Meritorious Unit
Commendation, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and the Combat
Infantryman Badge. He also had been employed as an archeologist for
Louis & Berger in East Orange, N.J. He is survived by his wife, Linda
Lippard of Kane; four children, Robin (Vance) Riggs of Huntsville, Ala.,
Michael (Carla) Budrow of DeForest, Wisc., Sheryl (John) Maher of
Buffalo, N.Y. and Cynthia (Robert) Kwiatkowski of Stanley, N.C.; three
step–children, Louisa Lippard of Queensbury, N.Y., Thomas Lippard of
Smethport and Jennifer Lippard of Sharon; 15 grandchildren; and a
sister, Oma Godina of Scottsdale, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his
parents. A memorial service will be held at a future date to be
announced. Memorial donations may be made to the Special Forces
Association. The Cummings Funeral Home Inc. is in charge of
arrangements. Online condolences can be expressed at www.cummingsfh.com.

BURREL "RAT" WILSON, SOA #1559-GL,
MSG, US Army, retired,
passed away 17 March 2009 while in WOMACK Army Medical Center. A Vietnam
veteran, Rat's SF assignments included participating in MTT White Star
in Laos in 1962 while with the 7th SFG(A), with 1st SFG (Okinawa) 1964,
with SOG and 5th SFG(A) in Vietnam in '65, '66, '68-'68 and with USAIMA.
His awards and decorations included Combat Infantryman Badge,
Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, Master
Parachutist Badge and numerous other awards and decorations. He is
survived by his companion Shirley Farrow, two sons, a daughter, three
grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

CHARLES D. "CHICK" BUSLER, SOA #1975, SSG (Ret), of New Cumberland, PA died Tuesday January 18, 2009 at the
age of 63 in Health South, Upper Allen Twp. He was a retired Staff
Sergeant in the U.S. Army serving with the Special Forces / Green Berets
in Vietnam. He also a retired technician for UGICorp., Harrisburg. He
was a member of the 82nd Airborne Division Assn.; Special Operations
Assn.; American Legion, Dry Run, PA; VFW Post 7415, New Cumberland; and
Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 50, Camp Hill. Chick was born in
Lemoyne to the late William and Clara (Sprecker) Busler. In addition to
his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother William “Little Bill”
Busler. He is survived by his wife, Karen (Yinger) Busler; his two sons,
Rod Snell and Heath Snell, both of New Cumberland; two sisters, Shirley
Heiges of Harrisburg and Roberta “Bobbie” Eason of Lemoyne; two
brothers, Elmer “Herk” Busler of Mechanicsburg and Richard “Dick” Busler
of Lemoyne; five grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan, Cody, Emily and Connor;
and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on
Saturday January 23, 2010 at 2 pm in Parthemore Funeral Home & Cremation
Services, New Cumberland with the Rev. Dale Parker officiating. Viewing
will be from 12:30 pm until time of service Saturday in the funeral
home. Private burial will be at the convenience of the family.

JASON TAMASESE “WOODY” WOODWORTH, SOA #125-GL,
MSG, US Army, retired, passed away 15 January 2009 in Hawaii. Woody’s
Special Operations assignments included: FOB2 (C&C), OP 34A & 35A, and
Liaison Bureau. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving with Co G,
187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team. Prior to the Korean War he served
with the 511th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division in
Japan. Other assignments included 2nd Airborne Battle Group, 503rd
Infantry, Okinawa, 1st, 3rd and 5th Special Forces Groups, MACV Recondo
School and the Pathfinder Platoon, 25th Infantry Division. He also was
attached to 1st Special Forces Group SCUBA Detachment twice: once as a
medic and once as an interpreter. After retiring from the US Army, Woody
went to work with Vinnell Corporation in Saudi Arabia and then went to
work for Civil Service at the US Army Range Control Center at Schofield
Barracks, Hawaii; Pohakuloa Training Center, Hawaii; Range Control, 2nd
Infantry Division, South Korea. His many awards included the Silver Star
for Heroism during the Korean War, Combat Infantryman Badge (2nd Award),
Pathfinder Badge, Master Parachutists Badge. Woody founded Chapter 43 of
the Special Forces Association. Woody is survived by his beloved wife
Jean, Hilo, Hawaii.

WILLIAM G. IGNATZ, SOA # 2008-GA,MSG, US Army, retired, passed away 12 October 2008
following a five year battle with cancer. Bill served with 8240th AU
during the Korean War. Prior to his assignment with 8240th AU, he had
served with the 187th Airborne Regimental Combat Team Pathfinders,
participating in the combat jump at Sukchon, Korea on 20 October 1950.
After his tour was up with the 8240th AU, he returned to the 187th ARCT
and was reassigned to the Pathfinder Platoon. Bill served with the 1st
Special Forces Group on Okinawa and Vietnam. His awards and decorations
include: Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award), Korean
Honor Medal for his service with the 8240th AU, the Vietnam Cross of
Gallantry, Army Commendation Medal for Valor, Master Parachutist Badge
with 1 battle star, and the Pathfinder Badge (cloth). After his
retirement he became an Instructor Pilot in fixed wing aircraft and
later was hired by the Alabama State Forestry Commission as the first
full time district pilot with the primary mission of fire detection. He
was Commander of Chapter 2211, Military Order of the Purple Heart. He is
survived by his wife Jean; daughters Karen, Cynthia and Tina; Sons,
William and Dennis; five grandchildren and two great grand children. And
of course his two beloved canines, Maggie and Mugsley.
BILLY J. CHANCE, SOA
#1315-GX, passed away 16 September 2008 at Wichita, KS.
He was born September 20, 1933 in Kensington, the son of William and
Emma Wachs Chance. a resident of Mt. Hope, he was a real estate broker
and the former owner of Mt. Hope Clarion. He was a graduate of West
Point and retired as Lt. Col. While at West Point, he played football
under Red Blaik. During a game in 1964 against Duke, he played the
entire 60 minutes: center on offense and linebacker on defense. He
served two tours in White Star, as a 1st Lt. and then as a Capt. He also
served as the Plans Officer for SOG 1966-67(OP35). On July 24, 1955 he
married Joan Hunsberger in Mt. Hope. He is survived by his wife and his
sons William and wife Candy in Dallas, and Mark and wife Kathy in Belle
Plains; daughter, Jennifer Roden and husband Doug in Houston, sisters:
Merna Lee Snay in Haven and Ferne Brooks in Wichita as well as five
grandson: Nicholas, , Lee and Will Chance and Zach and Nate Roden. He
was preceded in death by his parents and a brother. The funeral was held
at the United Methodist Church, Mt. Hope with the Rev. Donna Wise
presiding. memorials may sent to the Mt. Hope Ambulance Fund in care of
Wulf-Ast Mortuary, Mt. Hope.

LILBURN L. MYERS, SOA # 673-GA,
LTC, US Army, retired, was killed in a tragic tractor accident on 23
July 2008 in New Kent, Virginia. Lee served with MACV-SOG. He also
served in the 77th, 10th, 7th and 5th Special Forces Group, and SOTFE.
He was a member and 1st Elected President of Chapter 33, SFA. Survivors
include his wife Linda.
MITSUO “MITCH” MATSUOKA SOA # 2533-GA,
died in a tragic accident 25 June 2008 while fishing at the Carson River
near Lake Tahoe, California. Mitch had served with the 195th AHC flying
for CCS, MACV-SOG 1968 – 1971. He was employed at ASML for the past 22
years. He is survived by his wife Patricia; daughter, Stefanie; and son,
Eric.

LAWRENCE PATRICK SELLERS, SOA # 1804-GL,
MSG, US Army, retired, passed away 20 June 2008 at a residential care
facility in Santa Rosa, California. Larry served with Recondo, 5th
Special Forces Group, Vietnam. He also served with the 10th, 77th and
1st Special Forces Group. Larry’s many awards and decorations included
the Purple Heart and Combat Infantry’s Badge. Larry was a linguist
speaking three languages. He was a member of Chapter 14, Monterey,
California and the VFW in Marina, California. He is survived by his son,
Lawrence Sellers, Jr. of Windsor, California; daughters Maggie Baird of
Fresno, California and Jeanette Batton of Aiken, South Carolina;
grandchildren, Mark Baird and Tracy Hansen; and five great
grandchildren.

EVERETT L. “SAM” HOUSTON, SOA #164-G,
passed away 19 June 2008 at his home in Redding, California from the
effects of several types of cancer. Sam served with CCN, MACV-SOG 1969,
B-55 Mike Force, and Air America in Laos. His awards and decorations
include: Purple Heart, Air medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Combat
Infantryman’s Badge. He is survived by his wife Susan and two sons, John
and Matt.

RONALD C. FLETCHER, SOA # 1997-GA, SGT,
US Army, passed away 9 June 2008 peacefully in a hammock in the Colorado
Mountains. Ron served with TF1AE, MACV-SOG. Among his awards and
decorations are the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Army Commendation
Medal with/V device. Ron served the Paducah Police Department and had
attended Murray State University. Ron was the loving husband of Rebecca
JaNelle Floyd Fletcher for 35 years, father of Heather Dyan Fletcher
Jones; son-in-law Eric David Jones of Paducah, Jessica Noel Fletcher of
Carbondale, Illinois and Matthew Ian Fletcher; daughter-in-law Jessica
Lynn Cates Fletcher of Paducah, six grandchildren; sister Shirley
Fletcher Schultz of Nashville, Tennessee; and brother Randall Brian
Fletcher.

BUCKY N. SMITH, SOA # 469-GL,
SGM, US Army, retired, passed away 3 June 2008. Bucky served with Star
1960-1961 and the Mike Force 1968. His other Special Forces assignments
included 1st, 3rd, 5th and 10 Special Forces Groups. Bucky was also a
veteran of the Korean War. Among his awards and decorations are Bronze
Star with four Oak Leaf Clusters and the “V” Device, Purple Heart,
Combat Infantryman’s Badge (2nd Award) and the Master Parachutist Badge.
He is survived by his wife Akiko, two sons, a daughter, four sisters, a
brother, six grandchildren, and thirteen grandchildren.

LARRY C. KENNEMER, SOA # 181-GL,
CPT, US Army, retired passed away 27 May 2008 at the Audie Murphy VA
Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Larry served with CCN, MACV-SOG. He also
served with 5th Special Forces Group, Vietnam, and 46th Special Forces
Company. Among his many awards and decoration are the Bronze Star with
three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Presidential Unit Citation. He was a
member of the Special Forces Association, First Christian Church and VFW
Post # 8541. He was preceded in death by his wife of 28 years, Beverly
Ann Kennemer in 2000. Survivors include his daughter, Leslie Adele
Kennemer; son, Neal Clinton Kennemer; mother, Mary Ellen (Webber)
Kennemer; sister, Karen V. Kennemer, and a host of other relatives and
friends.

MARIO G. DURAN SOA # 279-GA,
SFC, US Army retired, passed away 9 May 2008 in San Antonio, Texas.
Mario served with CCS, MACV-SOG. Mario was also a member of the Special
Forces Association. He is survived by his wife, daughter, sons,
grandchildren and great grandchildren.

JOHN W. KORSBECK, SOA # 326-GL, CW2,
US Army retired, passed away 1 May 2008 at a Malta Hospital in Montana
of complications from exposure to chemicals during the Vietnam War. John
served two tours in Vietnam. First, as a helicopter pilot with the 281st
AHC flying for “Project Delta”, and later as a fixed wing pilot flying
for 60th AHC. Prior to attending the Army Aviation School John served
with the 3rd Special Forces Group. His awards and decorations include
the Bronze Star and 45 Air Medals. John was also a member of the Special
Forces association. John is survived by his wife Judy of Malta; a son,
Kelly Korsbeck of Elvira, Ohio; a daughter, Kristie (Kelly) Rutledge of
Big Sandy; his mother, Ellen Korsbeck of Malta; sisters, Sue (Dwight)
Bomer of McAllister, Oklahoma, and Darlene (Jim) Brogan of Wilsall; and
grandchildren, Brantly, Andrea and Lance Rutledge of Big Sandy.

RUDOLPH WILLIAM COOPER, SOA # 506-GA,
SGM , US Army retired, passed away 25 April 2008 at the VA Hospice
Center in Washington , DC . Rudy was assigned to CCS, MACV-SOG. His
other Special Forces Assignments included the 5th (RVN & CONUS, 7th and
10th (CONUS) Special Forces Groups and two tours with 46th Special
Forces Company. Rudy was one of the few Special Forces Soldiers to have
received the Combat Infantry Badge 3rd Award for Combat Service in WW
II, Korea and Vietnam . Also among his many wards and decorations are
the Silver Star, 10 Bronze Stars and 3 Purple Hearts. He is survived by
two daughters, three grandsons, a brother and four great-grandchildren

RONALD L. HOFFMAN, SOA # 1745-G,
SFC, US Army retired, passed away 30 March 2008 at his home in Augusta ,
Georgia . His death was attributed to wounds he received in Vietnam in
1968. Ron served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. During the Vietnam
War Ron served at FOB 2 as a 11 on a Spike Team. His many awards include
the Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Presidential Unit Citation
and Army commendation Medal. He was an active member in the American
Legion, DAV and National Order of Trench Rats. He is survived by his
wife Doris Davis; five children; James Lakeman and wife Allyson of
Greensboro, North Carolina, Cathy Sors and her husband Tim of Goose
Creek, South Carolina, Dan Hoffman and his wife Janice of Fayetteville,
North Carolina, Wendy San Angelo and husband Michael of Tucson, Arizona,
and Jennifer Lakeman of Augusta, Georgia; brother Gerald Brainard of
Detroit, Michigan; sister Norma Jean Van Schoick of Venice, Florida; and
eleven grand children.

JOSEPH C. SKOKOWSKI II, SOA # 1342-AA,
MSG, US Army retired, passed away 15 March 2008 at the Aurora South
Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado. Joe served as a parachute rigger
with MACV-SOG at CCN and 1st Flight. Joe also served in 5th Special
Forces Group. He later entered the National Guard and saw service in the
Middle East. Among his awards and decorations are the Combat
Infantryman’s Badge and Joint Services Commendation Medal. Survivors
include his wife Elizabeth Cofield of England; two sons, Cameron and
Scott Skokowski of Erie, Colorado; two brothers, Stephen T. Skokowski of
Cheyenne, Wyoming, and James T. Savidge of Annapolis; and three sisters,
Claire M. Snow of Nettleton, Mississippi, Stephanie M. Tassche of
Derwood in Montgomery county, and Lisa Early of Potomac.

MANUAL C. BUSTAMANTE, SOA # 2382-GA,
1SG, US Army retired, passed away 10 March 2008 at home in El Paso,
Texas. “Manny” was 68. He joined Special Forces in 1960 and served in
Vietnam with 5th Special Forces Group: II Corps Mike Force, Project
Delta and MACV-SOG as a member of OP-35 and OP-36. Manny also served
with 1st Special Forces Group: Okinawa and Vietnam and 8th Special
Forces Group in Panama . Among his many awards and decorations are:
Distinguished Service Cross, 3 Bronze Stars for valor, 3 Purple Hearts,
2 Presidential Unit Citations and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was
also a member at large of the Special Forces Association. He is survived
by his sons, Michael Anthony Bustamante and Manuel Bustamante; daughter,
Kimberly Michelle Bustamante. He is also survived by his mother, Manuela
Campos Bustamante; brothers, Jose Angel Bustamante and Eddie Bustamante;
sisters, Ana Marie Hightower and Lucia Bustamante.

GALE EDWARD NELSON, SOA # 2347-GA,
MSG, US Army retired, passed away 24 February 2008 at the Carrol S.
Robertson Hospice Center . Gale was a member of OP-36B during the
Vietnam War, 1970 – 1971. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge,
two Bronze Stars for Valor, and three Bronze Stars for Meritorious
Service. He is survived by his wife, Doris of the home; a stepdaughter,
Sharon of Pennsylvania; a brother, Gene Nelson of Lady Luck, Florida.

ROBIN MOORE SOA # 1770-HL,
Civilian, passed away 21 February 2008 at Jennie Stuart Medical Center
in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Robin, age 82, had been suffering from a long
list of illnesses. Robin was a well know author of such best sellers as
the: “The French Connection” and “The Green Berets”. He also
collaborated with Barry Sadler in writing “The Ballad of the Green
Berets”. In 2001, he traveled to Afghanistan and subsequently published
another book titled, “The Hunt for Bin Laden”. Robin was also a member
of the Special Forces Association. He is survived by his wife, Helen.

CHARLES F. HOAGLAND, JR., SOA # 1560-GX,
SGM, US Army retired, passed away 4 February 2008 at the Hernando Pasco
Hospice Center in Inverness, Florida of natural causes. Chuck served
with the 4th MSF Bn, 5th Special Forces Group. Among his many awards and
decorations are: Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Bronze Star w/Oak Leaf
Cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Medal, Meritorious Service
Medal w/2 Oak Leaf Clusters, and Army Commendation Medal w/V Device and
Oak Leaf Cluster. Chuck was also a member of the Special Forces
Association, VFW, American Legion, and DAV. He is survived by his wife,
Sharon of Hernando, Florida; a son, Charles F. Hoagland III of
Melbourne, Florida; three daughters: Christa Pruitt of Navarre, Florida,
Malisa Roach and her husband of Apopka, Florida and Debbie Wetherington
and her husband Basil of Englewood, Florida; a brother Walter Hoagland
and his wife Bunny of Eustis, Florida, thirteen grandchildren and five
great grandchildren.

GARRY L. WRIGHT, SOA # 2383-GA,
SFC, US Army retired, passed away 23 January 2008. Gary a proud
Cherokee, was born May 10th 1939 at Tulsa, Oklahoma. Gary died from
complications from congestive heart failure and diabetes while
hospitalized at the Madigan Army Medical Center, Fort Lewis, Washington.
Gary served with the 173rd Airborne Brigade during the Vietnam Conflict.
He also served with 1st, 5th, 7th and 10th Special Forces Groups. He was
the recipient of the Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Master Parachutist
Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart and Army Commendation Medal. He was
also a member of the Special Forces Association. Gary is survived by his
wife Setsuko; brothers: Don, Mervin and Danny; sisters: Janelle and Sue.

DAVID H. HARRINGTON, SOA # 2145-GA,
SMSgt, US Air Force retired, passed away 20 January 2008. David H.
Harrington was born on June 4, 1937, in Binghamton, New York. He is now
free of pain and anxiety after battling cancer for over six years. Dave
enlisted in the Air Force in July 1954. David was assigned to Detachment
6, Project 404, “Water Pump” in Laos. He also supported B-50 and B-52 as
a FAC with 21st TASS. He also served with an Air Commando team
monitoring Cuban Communications during the Cuban Crisis. David's
decorations included two RVN Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Vietnam
Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, Air Force Commendation Medal. He
also holds the 404th membership card from the Skunk Works for Aircraft
U-2R 339. He was awarded a Green Beret in July 1992 for service in RVN
with 5th Special Forces. While on TDY to Korea he went to Taiwan during
the Quemoy-Matsu Crisis. He was presented with the Badge of Honor by the
Taiwan government. David was on the Air Commando Association Board of
Directors, a member of Special Forces Association, VFW, American Legion
and the DAV. He is survived by his wife, Joyce; brother, Duane; two
sons, Lance and Dale; daughter, Dawn Marie; and four grandchildren.

WILLIAM D. BOGGS, SOA # 667-GL,
SGM, US Army, retired, passed away 28 December 2007 at his home in
Townsend, Massachusetts. Billy retired with twenty-six years of service,
twenty-two of which was with Special Forces Units. He was a member of
White Star MTT in Laos, Blackjack 21, 5th Special Forces Group, and CCN,
MACV-SOG. Billy was the recipient of the Silver Star, Bronze Star,
Purple Heart and Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He is survived by his wife
of 54 years, Patricia; two sons, William and Steven; daughter Kathleen
Hulse; brother Donald; sister Barbara Dalrymple; six grandchildren and
three great grandsons.

JOHN T. STEPHENS, SOA # 2247-GX,
CWO2, US Army, passed away 19 December 2007 at his home in San Antonio,
Texas. John served with the 281st Assault Helicopter Company “Wolf Pack”
as a Gun Ship Pilot in Vietnam. John was severely wounded on his second
tour and his death is attributed to those wounds. He is survived by his
son Anthony.

MICHAEL E. KOESSICK, SOA # 508-GL,
LTC, US Army, passed away 17 December 2007 in a hospital in Nairobi,
Kenya. Mike served with the PRU in Vietnam. He also served with the 5th
& 6th Special Forces Groups. Among his awards and decorations are: the
Air Medal, Bronze Star for Valor, and two Purple Hearts. Mike is
survived by his wife Carol and two children.

BURL MCDANIEL, SOA # 1192-GL, LTC,
US Army, retired, passed away 15 December 2007 at his residence after a
long illness. Lt. Col. McDaniel served his country in the United States
Army during World War II, Korean War and Vietnam. During the Vietnam War
he served with CCS, MACV-SOG. He also served with Detachment “A” in
Berlin, Germany. Survivors include his loving wife, Ingrid McDaniel of
Melbourne Florida; two sons: Peter (Rachael) McDaniel of Apex, North
Carolina and Todd McDaniel of High Point, North Carolina; two daughters:
Georgina (Edgar) Whiteman of Fayetteville, North Carolina and Tracey
(Thomas) Delbridge of Alexandria, Virginia; four grandchildren,
Christopher and Grayson McDaniel and John and Matthew Whiteman; two
brothers: Bill McDaniel of Mesa, Arizona and Woody McDaniel of
Melbourne, Florida and a sister, GeeNee Piske of Glendale, Arizona.

DAVID L. ROSS, SOA # 354,
MSG, US Army, retired, passed away 15 December 2007 at his home in
Fayetteville, North Carolina. David served with MACV-SOG during the
period 1968 – 1972. He also served with the 5th, 7th and 10th Special
Forces Groups and JCRC. David is survived by his wife Kim Hoa Ross of
the home; son, Robert Norman Ross and wife Teresa of Hope Mills, North
Carolina; three sisters, Carolyn Clifton of Ripon, California, Nancy
Sunday of Demorest, Georgia, and Beth Ann Dunn and husband Rick of
Silvis, Illinois; and three grandchildren, Robert, Vivian and Samantha.

EDWARD J. COLLINS, SOA # 1976-GL,
1LT, US Army, passed away 2 December 2007. Edward served in the
8240 AU during the Korean War. Among his awards and decoration are the
Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Korean Service Medal w/two bronze stars and
the United Nations Service Medal. Edward was a member of the Special
Forces Association, Combat Infantryman’s Association, VFW, American
Legion and Korean War Veteran’s Association. He retired from GTE after
thirty years of service. He is survived by his former wife Elinor
Collins; daughter Kathleen Kermarrec; two grandsons, James Collins and
Kane McGee of Billerica; two sisters Mary Winters and Irene Spellman of
Falmouth, Massachusetts.

JOHN E. EDMUNDS, SOA #1197-GL,
SGM, US Army, retired, passed away 2 December 2007 at Flagler Hospital.
John was a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania but resided in St.
Augustine, Florida for the last 17 years. He served in the US Marine
Corps during WW II, but reenlisted in the US Army, and then volunteered
for Special Forces in 1954. John would serve two tours on White Star/Hot
Foot in 1959 and then again in 1962. He also served in Vietnam with
B-36, 5th Special Forces Group. His other Special Forces assignments
were with 77th, 10th, 7th and 3rd Special Forces Groups. Among his
awards and decorations are the Combat Infantryman’s Badge-2nd Award,
Master Parachute Badge, Glider Badge and the Army Commendation Medal.
John is survived by his wife Betty Edmunds; sons Steve of St Augustine
and David of Lumberton, North Carolina; and sister Jean Edmunds of St.
Augustine.

WILBER “BACSI” DONALDSON, SOA # 1490-GA,
SFC, US Army, retired, passed away 23 November 2007 at his home in
Enterprise, Alabama following a brief illness Wilber was 73. Wilber was
born 1934 in Coffee, Alabama. He enlisted in the United States Army in
1952 and after spending 10 years in the Medical Field, he volunteered
for Special Forces. Wilber was a member of RT Alaska on Operation
“Shining Brass”, MACV-SOG. He also served with 1st Special Forces Group,
Okinawa and Vietnam, 5th Special Forces Group, Fort Bragg and Vietnam,
and 3rd Special Forces Group. Wilber was selected and attended the
British Jungle Warfare School in Malaya. He retired in 1972 and embarked
on a second career in Civil Service working at the Navy Hospital at
Saufley Field. Among his many awards and decorations are the US Army
Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star for Valor and two for
Meritorious Service, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Combat Divers Badge,
two Army Commendation Medals and Master Parachutists Badge. He is
survived by his wife of seventeen years Mary Catherine (Cathie) Parker
Donaldson of Enterprise, Alabama; sister and brother-in-law, Juanita and
Sebert Bowman of Macon, Georgia; son, Michael Shelby Donaldson;
step-son, Anthony Steven Kwence of Virginia and grandchildren Caitlin
Beth and Connor.

JOHN V. STRYKER, SOA # 2033-GL,
CW4, US Army, retired, passed away 21 November 2007 at his home. John
was born on July 4 1935 in Clinton, New Jersey. John joined the 1st Air
Commando Wing in 1962. He deployed to Vietnam in 1963. Upon his return
to the United States, he attended Jump School and became a Combat
Controller. He returned to Vietnam as a Combat Controller. He received
an appointment to Warrant Officer in the United States Army. He
volunteered for Special Forces and after his SF Qualification; he served
with 5th and 7th Special Forces Groups. Upon his retirement after 30
years, he worked at the Directorate of Combat Developments, USAJFKSWCS,
Fort Bragg and the Infil/Exfil Branch, USSCOM, Mac Dill AFB. Among his
many awards and decorations are the Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze
Star w/Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Air
Force and Army Commendation Medals, Master Parachutist Badge, Scuba
Badge and Pathfinder Badge. A son and three grandchildren survive him.

Gary F. Marte, SOA #1054,
MAJ, U.S. Marines, age 69, died Saturday, May 5, 2007, in Oceanside,
California. Born Oct. 30, 1937, in San Francisco, he lived in Oceanside
for 28 years. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 30 years as a
parachutist, in the infantry First Force Recon and as a correction
officer. He worked in civil service for 20 years and was the director of
billeting for Bachelor Housing. Mr. Marte was preceded in death by his
parents, Essie and Frederico Marte. He is survived by his wife of 48
years, Roselle Marte, of Oceanside; son Gregg Marte of Oceanside;
daughter and son-in-law Kimberly Marte and Christoph Jess of Eagle Rock;
sisters Blanche Henniger, Julia Marte, and Leeanne Marte, all of Oahu,
Hawaii; sister Dondus Marte; sister-in-law Esther Somer; brother and
sister-in-law Michael and Toni Marte of San Jose; and three
grandchildren.